AutoCodes – RAM – B1C17 RAM

B1C17 RAM Code - Passenger Active Headrest Control Circuit

Quick Answer

The Passenger Active Headrest signal circuit is driven by a solenoid that also uses a diode in parallel. Common causes include Faulty Passenger Active Headrest, Passenger Active Headrest harness is open or shorted, Passenger Active Headrest circuit poor electrical connection. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

What it means: B1C17 RAM indicates Passenger Active Headrest Control Circuit.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Passenger Active Headrest, Passenger Active Headrest harness is open or shorted, Passenger Active Headrest circuit poor electrical connection.
Severity: High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
Can I drive?: Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

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Code Popularity 688

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Advanced (Pro) (3 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Aug 24, 2019

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Tech Notes
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code B1C17 RAM Description

The Passenger Active Headrest signal circuit is driven by a solenoid that also uses a diode in parallel. The single electrical component of the Active Headrest (AHR) unit is the latch-release solenoid. The solenoid is connected by a 2 way pigtail wire and harness connector. The pigtail wire and 2 way connector are routed through the center of one of the headrest support posts and down through the guide sleeve to the interior of the seat back, where it connects to the seat wire harness. The solenoid is grounded at an independent dedicated ground. The AHR components itself cannot be repaired. If damaged or ineffective, the AHR must be replaced as a new assembly. If upon inspection the AHR has deployed it can be reset following the proper reset method. Also if the already deployed Driver or Passenger AHR are latched in the locked position please see the scan tool miscellaneous functions to set the latch in the unlock or deployed position. The Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) monitors the Passenger Active Headrest during the start up phase of the ORC module. The Passenger Active Headrest communication and on board diagnostics are powered by the ORC signal.

OBDII Code B1C17 RAM - Passenger Active Headrest Control Circuit - AutoCodes.com — B1C17 RAM Code - Passenger Active Headrest Control Circuit

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B1C17 RAM?

Faulty Passenger Active Headrest
Passenger Active Headrest harness is open or shorted
Passenger Active Headrest circuit poor electrical connection
Fault Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC)

How to Fix the DTC B1C17 RAM?

Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.

What does this mean?

Code Tech Notes

B1C11-11 PASSENGER ACTIVE HEADREST CONTROL CIRCUIT SHORT TO GROUND
B1C11-12 PASSENGER ACTIVE HEADREST CONTROL CIRCUIT SHORT TO BATTERY
B1C11-13 PASSENGER ACTIVE HEADREST CONTROL CIRCUIT OPEN

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the B1C17 RAM code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.

Need more information about the B1C17 RAM code?

Need more information on how to fix the B1C17 RAM code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B1C17 RAM code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

Precautions for SRS “AIR BAG” and “SEAT BELT PRE-TENSIONER” Service

Never probe the electrical connectors on air bag, side air curtain modules or seat belts.
Never disassemble or tamper with safety belt buckle/retractor pretensioners, adaptive load limiting retractors, safety belt inflators, or probe the electrical connectors.
Do not use electrical test equipment to check SRS circuits unless instructed to in this Service Manual.
Before servicing the SRS, turn ignition switch OFF, disconnect both battery cables and wait at least 3 minutes. For approximately 3 minutes after the cables are removed, it is still possible for the air bag and seat belt pre-tensioner to deploy. Therefore, do not work on any SRS connectors or wires until at least 3 minutes have passed.

Failure to follow this instruction may result in the accidental deployment of these modules, which increases the risk of serious personal injury or death.

About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.

Frequently Asked Questions about B1C17 RAM Code

1. What does the OBDII code B1C17 mean?

The B1C17 code indicates an issue with the Passenger Active Headrest Control Circuit in a RAM vehicle, typically related to a malfunction in the wiring or components controlling the active headrest system.

2. What are the common symptoms of the B1C17 code?

Symptoms may include an illuminated airbag warning light, a malfunctioning or unresponsive passenger active headrest, and potentially a stored trouble code in the vehicleâ€™s memory.

3. What causes the B1C17 code to appear?

This code can be triggered by damaged wiring or connectors, a faulty passenger active headrest actuator, a short or open circuit, or a problem with the vehicleâ€™s control module.

4. Can I still drive my RAM with the B1C17 code?

While the vehicle may still be drivable, the active headrest system might not function properly in the event of a collision, which could compromise passenger safety.

5. How is the B1C17 code diagnosed?

A technician will use an OBDII scanner to retrieve the code, inspect the wiring and connectors, and test the active headrest control circuit for continuity and proper operation.

6. What repairs can fix the B1C17 code?

Repairs may include replacing damaged wiring, repairing or replacing connectors, replacing the passenger active headrest actuator, or reprogramming the control module if needed.

7. How much does it cost to repair the B1C17 code?

Repair costs vary depending on the issue but can range from $100 for simple wiring repairs to $500 or more if the actuator or control module needs replacement.

8. Can the B1C17 code clear itself?

The code may clear temporarily if the issue is intermittent, but it will likely reappear until the root cause is addressed.

9. Is a faulty passenger active headrest actuator common for the B1C17 code?

Yes, a faulty actuator is one of the more common causes of this code, especially if the headrest is unresponsive or behaving abnormally.

10. Do I need a professional to fix the B1C17 code?

While basic checks like inspecting wiring can be done by DIYers, diagnosing and resolving the issue typically requires professional tools and expertise.